Introduction

1. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has long-standing experience of working with people who have suffered from emotional distress. We consider that the values of Trust, Autonomy, Consent and Truth need to underpin mental health legislation and that everyone has the potential for psychological growth and development through loving relationships. No one is born evil.

Introduction

This submission draws on my experience as Parliamentary Liaison Secretary for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It starts by looking at the purpose of the present House of Lords and considers the following areas:

Submission to Defence Select Committee

We welcome the commitment of the U.K. Government to the 'Optional Protocol on the Rights of the Child on involvement in armed conflict" and the work of the Defence Select Committee in conducting this enquiry.

Submission to Defence Select Committee Inquiry on Missile Defence

'You cannot foster harmony by the apparatus of discord, nor cherish goodwill by the equipment of hate. But it is by harmony and goodwill that human security can be obtained.' (Quaker Faith and Practice 24.40)

In response to Government White Paper on Commission for Equality and Human Rights

1.

Memorandum to Development Select Committee on inquiry into conflict and development

1. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is a religious denomination and charity with a longstanding commitment to the peaceful solution of violent conflict. This submission is based on our experience in the programmes of work of Quaker Peace and Social Witness, our corporate witness department, in former Yugoslavia and West Africa, and the work of the Quaker United Nations' Office in Geneva.

Memorandum to Lord Carlile's independent review of the definition of terrorism in UK Law

1. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is a religious charity excepted from registration. Quakers have a longstanding commitment both to upholding the law, and to maintaining the rights of legitimate, peaceful protest. We welcome the independent review of the definition of terrorism and hope that Parliament will act to narrow the scope of the current legal definition.